Maryland Football Coaching Carousel: Top 5 Potential Candidates
By now, the dismissal of Ralph Friedgen as head football coach at the University of Maryland has been well-documented. While many will argue that the buyout forced on Friegden by new athletic director Kevin Anderson was unexpected and distasteful, the hunt for the Terps’ next football coach must go on.
Anderson appears to be in search of a big-name coach that can pack a punch and bring a sense of excitement to College Park. Over Friedgen’s ten-year career as head coach, his recruiting ability was a topic of debate. Although talent floods the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, Friedgen never appeared to be able to land what fans considered “top talent”. This, amongst other things, will play a key role in the university’s next hire.
Introducing potential candidates, in order of probability:
1.) Mike Leach
1 of 5
The former Texas Tech coach has a strong winning record and his offensive scheme is sure to attract athletes.
Leach was fired from Texas Tech at the end of the 2009 season after the NCAA began to investigate improper treatment of a student athlete. The incident was ridiculous and Leach’s firing couldn’t have been any more ignorant. The coach publicly stated his frustration with Texas Tech and the NCAA.
During his ten years at Texas Tech, Leach posted a winning record in each of those seasons, finishing with an 84-43 record overall. Leach’s tenure also included eight consecutive seasons with at least eight wins, nine consecutive bowl appearances, and four seasons completed with his team ranked in the top-25.
Before becoming the head coach at Texas Tech, Leach served as the offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma in 1999. Leach made his initial splash as the offensive coordinator at Kentucky from 1997-1998, where he effectively established the “Air Raid Offense”.
Although there aren’t many knocks against him or his offensive mastermind, Leach is one of only five coaches in the country (NCAA Division I) to never have played football at the college level. Perhaps to make up for it, Leach demonstrated one of the highest graduation rates for his student athletes in the entire country while coaching at Texas Tech.
In the case of a Mike Leach hiring, fans would instantly become excited. Suite sales would increase, the ACC would add a fresh scheme, and talent would likely opt to stay close to home and play for the Terps’ showcase offense.
2.) Gus Malzahn
2 of 5
Some may have never heard the name, but Gus Malzahn is considered to be one of the most innovative minds in football.
Forming a classic story, Malzahn successfully worked his way up from high school prep stardom all the way to college mastermind. After beginning his coaching career as defensive coordinator at Hughes High (AR) in 1991, Malzahn went on to become the head coach at Hughes until 1995, at Shiloh Christian (AR) until 2000, and then at Springdale (AR) until 2005.
After leading Springdale to two state championships and earning them numerous national top-ten rankings, Malzahn joined Houston Nutt at Arkansas to become the team’s offensive coordinator. After disagreements with Nutt, Malzahn left to become the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Tulsa.
While at Tulsa, Malzahn became one of the nation’s most prolific coordinators and earned his offense a No. 1 overall ranking in just his first season. During Malzahn’s second season, Tulsa was ranked the No. 2 offense in the country and began to draw even more interest.
Malzahn was hired by Auburn’s new head coach Gene Chizik in 2008 to become the team’s offensive coordinator. Malzahn drastically improved the Tigers offense and obviously earned his household name after working with quarterback Cam Newton this season, earning a spot in the National Title game.
The offensive scheme of Malzahn could actually draw more interest from student-athletes than Leach’s and boosters would love the new look for the Terps. However, Malzahn has already declined the Vanderbilt head coaching job after they offered him $3 million a year. When one thinks of a guy turning down a head coaching job in the country’s most powerful conference, it’s hard to imagine that he’d leave an Auburn team for the ACC.
The only obvious drawback on a potential Malzahn hiring is his experience. With no head coaching experience at the collegiate level, Malzahn could perhaps make up for it in recruiting. After putting in so much time at the high school level, Malzahn seems to have a hand-up on young kids looking to make the right college choice.
3.) Rich Rodriguez
3 of 5
Lately, rumors have began to swirl regarding Rich Rod and his interest in the Maryland job.
Remembered primarily by Maryland fans as a bitter rival, Rich Rodriguez put his name on the map as the head coach at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007.
While coaching his alma mater Mountaineers, Rodriguez successfully implemented a fast-paced spread offense that would gain national prominence with players like Steve Slaton and Pat White. In 2007, West Virginia finished the season with a No. 2 BCS ranking and No. 1 in the Coaches Poll, both the highest positions ever for a Mountaineers team.
Rodriguez left West Virginia to become the head coach at Michigan, a tenure that began with the 2008 season. Rich Rod finished his first season at 3-9, the worst record in school history. Suddenly, the Maize and Blue were calling for Rodriguez’s head. He then posted a 5-7 record in his second season and a 7-5 record this season, thanks in large part to do-it-all quarterback Denard Robinson.
Maryland fans would be welcoming of an offense that is described most accurately as a run-oriented spread. With such a scheme in place, the typical Maryland running game wouldn’t fall to the wayside and the passing game naturally opens itself.
The problems surrounding Rodriguez are what put his name near the bottom of the list. After a rocky departure from West Virginia, Rodriguez fell under heavy NCAA allegations after being accused of violating numerous rules regarding unofficial scrimmages and extended practice times. This would mark the first time in school history that major rule violations were alleged against the Michigan football program.
Amongst violations and rocky relationships, Rodriguez has also been heavily criticized by his players for being extremely harsh, degrading, and ignoring any sense of family values.
Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press wrote, “Rodriguez’s staff uses some of the foulest, most degrading language imaginable. I know coaches curse, and I’m no prude, but this goes way beyond a few dirty words. He belittles his players.”
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
4.) Randy Edsall
4 of 5
Because it’s almost a guarantee that Edsall won’t leave Connecticut, it’s not really necessary to get into the university’s all-time winningest football coach’s background and style.
A protege of NFL head coach Tom Coughlin, Edsall led the Huskies from the NCAA Division I-AA into Division I-A, the first school to ever pull off the move. While at UConn, Edsall has gained a reputation of relentlessness and the ability to motivate his players.
While the hire of Edsall wouldn’t really make a splash, you could rest assure that the program would be built on honesty, integrity, and dedication.
In terms of an upgrade from Friedgen, Edsall isn’t the answer. Edsall is far from the flashy attention-grabber that Anderson appears to be searching for.
5.) June Jones
5 of 5
Although I wouldn’t be a fan of Jones in College Park, his exciting Run-N-Shoot offense would be one of the most entertaining schemes to watch in all of sports.
The current current head coach at Southern Methodist has reportedly withdrew his name from Maryland's head coaching search.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
